What a German Makes: Part 1

I fully expected that "Google" would switch into German, but today was the first time I logged into my blog and found all of the links in German also. That was a sudden switch!

Today is a ridiculously disgusting one. When I talked to my Opa last weekend, he said that when the weather in Germany is nice, it's really nice, but when it's bad, then is it ever bad! And today it is a mixture of cold, bitter wind, and pelting rain. It inspires one to hide beneath the covers. This dramatic weather, though, is a good representation of the German people, I think. The German never leaves a task unfinished, a thought uncontemplated, or a meal unsavoured. A visitor will find the entire country always on the go, and never late (with the few exceptions, of course); but they get things done and enjoy the little pleasures of life while doing so. On our train ride back to Wetzlar from Kassel last week, Leslie and I made a list together of the differences we noted in our new environment. While naturally it's difficult to recall everything on the spot, here are a few things that we have written down:

1. The are a few key phrases that the German will use in response to a statement: OK, Super, Cool, and Toll! "OK" was the one that struck me first as when someone used it against my statements, they said it in such a tone as to having me wonder, "Did they understand what I had just said?" But they seem to know, and "OK" has become a part of my vocabulary also, except, perhaps, with the German accent that ladens these words.
2. The German "slow-train" is the equivalent of the Canadian "fast-train." In other words, we have nothing to even compare to their fast-trains, and I find it amusing when the German complains at having to take the local trains.
3. Like their weather, the Germans are always "go-go-go." Even my German language teacher commented on how the people will put work ahead of almost everything. I do not wonder why they are all so successful.
4. The people do not multitask, and for that they tend to get more done. Studies suggest that multitasking undermines our efficiency, so they appear to have it right in this country.
5. The people also tend to spend less time thinking about methods and procedures, and just go ahead and do what needs to be done. Consequently they get more done while we are still suggesting different ways to approach a problem. (This is a habit of mine that I intend to break)
6. The outlets are huge, the light switches are backwards, and the toilets flush from the wall. I'm going to be really messed up when I return home.
7. Hang dry and iron every piece of clothing that you have. Seriously. I do a lot of ironing around here.
8. Everyone here drives a standard, and mercedes is not uncommon. In fact, most buses and taxis are mercedes.
9. Television programs for children are freaky! I watched a show on KiKa with Mia the other week that focused on a cartoon groundhog trying to figure out who had shat on his head. Each animal he questioned would reply with, "No", and then would proceed to show him how they "made." Shows from the 60's and 70's are also still very popular, such as "Pipi Langstrumpf" and "Sandmaennchen."
10. The German is always on time or a little late. Never get on a train that you think is yours, just early. You'll likely be going to the wrong destination.
11. Every house has storm shutters built into the structure. They make for really nice, dark rooms for sleeping. It was perfect when I was jet-lagged.
12. The pillows are huge, flat, and often very soft! I usually fold mine in half to make a thicker pillow, like I'm used to in Canada.
13. They use a comforter and nothing else, but it's always very fluffy and warm.
14. Immer "gerade aus." When you ask for directions, this is what you'll always hear; they always tell you to keep going straight ahead. Just buy a map.
15. Face it, you're going to have to pay to pee in a public washroom. At least they are usually pretty clean.
16. Everyone is well behaved: children, dogs. There is an emphasis on politeness and representation (although Canadians still hold the reputation of being the most polite). I have noticed, however, a small temper tantrum epidemic among the you children. I wonder how long that will last.
17. There is this unwritten policy where you simply don't talk about your illness, especially when psychological. Whereas North American are more open and accepting of these issues, and that openness is inspiring more people to seek treatment, it is still unfortunately a taboo here to have depression or the like.

Stay tuned for a food editon, and for later lists as I get closer to heading home.

-Candles